Nyikina Elder, Annie Nayina Milgin, welcomed young men from the Fitzroy Valley onto Nyikina Mangala Country for a Yiriman Camp in late November.

Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC) organised the camp, with the cooperation of the Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation and the Nyikina Mangala Rangers.

Young men, aged from 11 to 16, travelled from Fitzroy Crossing, Kurnangki, Loanban, Bayulu, Karnparri and Joy Springs to basecamp at Willare Roadhouse. They travelled with KALACC staff, Rangers and Traditional Owners deeper into Country to Yiriman Hill – a wayfinding landmark that guided the Nyikina Mangala people of the past. Yiriman Hill, as a wayfinding landmark, is symbolic of youth finding an internal, cultural 'landmark' by which to navigate the future.

Camp participants also travelled to a special spring, where Annie Milgin introduced them to the protocols associated with approaching and drinking from it.

Elder Annie Milgin spoke to participants several times during the camp about the importance of their taking responsibility for Country and the need for them to gain education, both on-Country and in school, to be able to take on conscious and knowledgeable custodianship and care of Country.

She also spoke at several yarning circles for the participants on the importance of the young men staying out of trouble and making good decisions about their lives and relationships.

The Yiriman Program was conceived and developed by Elders concerned about the welfare of youth. They saw the need for a place where youth could separate themselves from negative influences and reconnect with their culture in a remote and culturally significant place. Four camps are organised each year.